Comanche County, OK
In southwest Oklahoma, the golden shortgrass prairie extends for mile after mile - proving this captivating corner of Oklahoma more than lives up to its Great Plains Country title. Less than a century and a half ago, the Southern Plains were the domain of the Kiowa and Comanche who hunted buffalo until the herds were almost exterminated from the plains in the last half of the 19th century. Today, bison, longhorn cattle and elk roam free at the 60,000-acre Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.The Wichita Mountains are remnants of a mountain range that was formed more than 500 million years ago and subsequent erosion has resulted in the exposure of the granite and gabbro core. These mountains rise abruptly from the relatively flat surrounding plains, with several peaks on the refuge exceeding 2000 feet above sea level, interspersed with valleys and prairie grasslands.
It would be another century, on January 8, 1869, before Major General Philip H. Sheridan staked out the site that would become Fort Sill.
In July 1901, 29,000 homesteaders registered for the land lottery at Fort Sill. On August 6, the town of Lawton sprang up and quickly grew to become the third largest city in Oklahoma.
Lawton-Fort Sill flows southward into a flat plain with the Wichita Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop to the north. Thousands of tourists visit the National Wildlife Refuge in these mountains each year to explore an area full of roaming wildlife, romantic history, picturesque scenes, and the towering splendor of these mountains.
The peak of Mt. Scott, which towers 2,465 feet above sea level, can be reached by venturing the winding road that climbs above the refuge floor. The Holy City of the Wichitas is located nearby. This is the site of the famous Easter Pageant held each year on Easter Eve. The structures are recreations of the ancient city of Jerusalem and are open to the public for viewing. There are also several lakes and streams in the surrounding areas.
Explore Comanche County
Fort Sill's Leisure and Recreation
Fort Sill's Leisure and Recreation is open to active-duty, retired, and warrant officers, and most Department of the Defense civilians. Public access is limited to certain activities. Please contact the Public Affairs Office at 580-442-4500 for further information.
FUNKY JUNK Flea Market
Bring your friends out for junking done fun!! A new monthly market featuring ~ Vintage merchandise, antiques, collectibles, misc. memorabilia, ARTS & CRAFTS ~ repurposed junk ~
Lawton, OK Flea MarketsWichita Mountains NWR - Hiking
The Refuge maintains four series of hiking trails as well as wayside exhibits throughout the Public Use Area. While visitors may hike anywhere in the Public Use Area of the Refuge, these trail systems are maintained for optimum viewing opportunities, ease of access, and diversity of scenery.
Lawton, OK Hiking Trails
Wichita Mountains NWR - Rock Climbing
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the Access Fund and the Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition have come together to support and present a quality climbing experience at the Refuge. The following guidelines have been established between the three organizations.
Lawton, OK RappellingWichita Mountains NWR - Fishing
There are 13 Public Use Lakes on the Refuge which provide ample fishing opportunities for both bank and boat anglers. Largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish are likely to be caught in Refuge lakes.
Lawton, OK FishingNew Holy City History Book Available
Oklahoma City author, Jacqulein Vaughn Lowry has authored a new pictorial history book about the Holy City of the Wichitas. Published by Arcadia Publishing company, the book chronicles the rich history of the Holy City from 1926
Lawton, OK LiteratureWichita Mountains NWR - Hunting
Elk and Deer Hunting Opportunities The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge hosts two of Oklahoma's most popular controlled hunts, the annual elk and deer hunts. Set amidst granite mountains and prairie grasslands, the hunt is 2 1/2
Lawton, OK HuntingFort Sill History
The site of Fort Sill was staked out on January 8, 1869 by Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan who led a Campaign into Indian Territory to stop hostile tribes from raiding border settlements in Texas Kansas. Sheridan'
Fort Sill, OK FortsMuseum of the Great Plains
At the Museum of the Great Plains, the natural and cultural history of the Great Plains of north America is studied and shown in many exhibits and programs that will be enjoyed by all members of the family. Special events include a twice-yearly encampment of 1830
Lawton, OK MuseumsOld Plantation Restaurant
Medicine Park, unique with its eccentric cobble buildings, was originally founded on July 4th, 1908 by Oklahoma Senator Elmer Thomas. Medicine Park was Oklahoma's first planned tourism resort located in the Wichita Mountains that drew state legislators, journalists and gangsters. Listed on the <
Medicine Park, OK Historic Buildings